In Depth Alaska

The FBI Anchorage Field Office is pulling back the curtain on its federal operations across the state, launching a new monthly interview series with Alaska’s News Source to address violent crime, local statistics, and ongoing public safety efforts.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates. Alaska financial expert Al Biss breaks down what that could mean for borrowers and savers.

Chief Meteorologist Melissa Frey spoke with Rainmaker CEO Augustus Doricko after his company spent time conducting experimental tests in Alaska in August 2026 that aimed to creating rain.

On Monday, September 7th, the fishing vessel F/V Northwest Explorer, which was doing research for NOAA, was asked by the Coast Guard to aid in the rescue of a 15-year old boy adrift on an overturned skiff. Captain Adam White spoke with Digital Content Manager Joey Klecka. Here is an extended version of that conversation.

A Washington man is alive following a bear attack on Alaska's North Slope last week. Jadon Nicoara, 27, is now resting at his home, just days after he was attacked by a brown bear while caribou hunting around 100 miles outside of Deadhorse. Georgina Fernandez connected with Nicoara to hear how he's doing and the harrowing details of the gruesome encounter.

When an 800-pound Kodiak brown bear charged out of the brush on Tuesday, Katelynn Lane had only seconds to react. Faced with a mother bear protective of her cubs, Lane says a split-second defensive position inspired by her martial arts training may have saved her life.

In this episode, we sit down with ASD Superintendent Jharrett Bryant to discuss balancing a $90 million structural shortfall, adding back 100+ educator positions, and focusing on academic basics. Learn how the district plans to rebuild community trust with the new "ASD Listens" initiative, expand career technical education, and navigate the future of school funding.

In this episode of In-Depth Alaska, host Joe Allgood sits down with veteran thru-hiker Bradford Bartels, who may be the very first person to officially hike the incomplete Alaska Long Trail from Seward to Fairbanks. Starting his journey with zero Alaskan backcountry experience, Bradford completed the grueling 47-day trek through summer rain, mountain snow, and stunning terrain—fueled primarily by a "7-Eleven body temple" of honey buns and ramen.

As Fairbanks students head back to the classroom, Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert discusses exciting updates for the upcoming year. Discover how neighborhood schools are bringing back smaller class sizes and elementary music and implementing a proactive new safety and threat assessment model with law enforcement.

In this episode of In Depth Alaska, the Mat-Su School District Superintendent discusses back-to-school preparations under a looming $10 million budget cut and school consolidations. They explore the expansion of popular hybrid courses, stable transportation expectations, and the development timeline for the district's new employee concealed carry policy.

As a new school year begins, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District's Superintendent talks about managing a vast, complex district amid tight budgets. He outlines goals for improving student outcomes, supporting families in poverty, and launching a new policy to limit classroom screen time.

We've all heard the news stories about the cyclospora outbreak across 34 states, usually accompanied by the symptoms of "explosive diarrhea". But how worried should Alaskans be? Tracy Sinclare talked with Alaska State Epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin about the current outbreak, how it impacts Alaska and precautions you should take. 

The Alaska Moving Image Preservation Association (AMIPA) has been quietly safeguarding Alaska's visual history since 1988 — from early 20th century missionary film shot on King Island to footage of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline construction and the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Board member and veteran photojournalist Rob Stapleton joined In-Depth Alaska host Jennifer Summers to explain how the nonprofit, housed at the UAA/APU Consortium Library, collects, stores, and indexes film, video, and analog media donated by individuals, TV stations, and government agencies. 

A mushroom hunt near Skilak Lake turned into a frantic escape after a bear mauled one of Lori Price’s dogs. Reporter Joe Allgood talks with Price about her frightening encounter.

In this edition of In Depth Alaska, Digital Content Manager Joey Kletka talks with Art Ulene, who's aiming to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on his 90th birthday—for the fourth time. Ulene shares what drives him to keep pushing, how he trains (including 50 flights of stairs and a new hip), and why he believes "old age" is often less about years and more about avoiding self-neglect. It's a candid conversation about adventure, safety, and the best time to start planning for the last chapter of your life.

After the loss of their brother Matt Brown, siblings Noah, Rain, and Gabe--known to many from the TV series Alaskan Bush People--share what they've been wrestling with in the days since his death, from the shock of "not knowing" to the painful finality of confirmation. They remember Matt as both deeply intelligent and relentlessly goofy: a tinkerer, a reader, an artist, and a survivalist who could still find a way to make someone laugh on their worst day. The Browns also speak candidly about Matt's struggles with mental health and addiction, and they use this moment to urge anyone who's hurting to reach out—because feeling alone doesn't mean you are.

Cold War to the Cosmos is an exhibit at the Anchorage Museum. On Tuesday, May 26 from 6:30 - 9 pm Sierra Young gave a talk on the how the original science-fiction series Star Trek commented on the Cold War, followed by a couple episodes of the program. Young recently talked with producer Jennifer Summers.

In 1994, the artist Wyland painted a whale mural on a wall in downtown Anchorage. He painted a similar mural in Dallas. That mural has now been painted over. Wyland spoke with Alaska's News Source's Lar Hanson about his career, the whale walls and the recent controversy in Dallas.

Humans have been hitting things with sticks for a long time, so it should be no surprise that America’s pastime has deep roots in Alaska.

As part of America’s 250th Anniversary, Alaska is celebrating the game of ball and it’s connection to our people.

State Historian Katie Ringsmuth came in to talk with Alaska’s News Source Sports Director Jordan Rodenberger and Producer Jennifer Summers about shining moments in our state’s history.

Dr. Joe McLaughlin, Alaska's State Epidemiologist, talks about the hantavirus, explaining what it is, what the current outbreak looks like, and how worried the average person should be.

Local artist Duke Russell is a long time Alaskan and has a deep connection with his community and his art reflects his intense vision. Producer Jennifer Summers sat down with Russell as a new exhibit of his work is opening at the Anchorage Museum.

River breakup season is the most dangerous flooding event that recurs in Alaska. Typically taking place between the end of April and the end of May, ice breakup along Alaskan riverways can pose a threat to surrounding and low-lying communities.

Meteorologist Bailey Braun speaks with Shawn Dahl from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center how space weather effects our local atmosphere.

Alaska's News Source talks one-on-one with senior Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski about escalating tensions in the middle east, and the impact of affordability on the upcoming midterms. She explained why she continues to spar with President Donald Trump on occasion, reflects on U.S. relations with NATO and the future of the west, and discusses federal land management topics impacting Alaska. 

Youth Services Librarian Kim Cameron shares some recommendations for books to celebrate Black History Month.